These California faucets offer another alternative — and they do have different choices… with lots of different possible finishes and handles that you can mix and match. For example, if I had a glamorous 1960s bathroom, I might well go for the “Catalina,” above. So pretty — like a tall, graceful swan.

And am I going nuts? I even like the “Manhattan,” above, if I had a 1980s bathroom to update.

These faucets are pretty high-end, that is: pricey. But Joan says that she has heard they have a good reputation. California Faucets does not sell their products direct; you need to go through a retailer. Their website has a good dealer locator / where to buy feature. Honestly, with something this expensive, I think it is advisable to see and touch — and to ensure you have recourse if there are any problems. That said: Many online businesses also have great service, including return policies. Bottom line: Check first.

We have a Price-Pfister shower diverter that has the porcelain knobs. It was also avaialbe in chrome. I don’t know if this set is still made, but I found chrome on eBay. It looks similar to the California Faucets.

This is where I must step off the retro train. I do not like facets you must grasp to turn on and off in the bathroom. Or the kitchen, really. Unless you are cleaning them after EVERY use,and whose 5yo is going to do that, there is no way to keep from contaiminating already clean hands when you close the valve you opened with dirty ones. I’d go with levers you can wrist-bump on and off.